South Port Noarlunga beach in South Australia has today won top honours in the Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beaches Awards for 2009-10.

Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong, today presented the award to South Port Noarlunga at a ceremony at Sydney’s Manly beach.

The Awards recognise local community and individual efforts that are helping coastal areas to become environmentally, economically and socially sustainable communities.

South Port Noarlunga won awards for its efforts in Resource Recovery & Waste Management, Environmental Innovation & Protection, Water Conservation and Young Legends. These four awards led to the South Port Noarlunga beach being awarded the overall title.

“South Port Noarlunga beach community members have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment in taking steps to improve their local environment,’’ Senator Wong said.

“We have one of the nation’s most beautiful coastlines here, just south of Adelaide,’’ she said.

“South Port is a pristine beach and, thanks to the hard work of the local community, it remains a must see tourist destination for the many local, interstate and overseas beachgoers that frequently enjoy our spectacular coastline.”

Senator Wong said community initiatives to protect Australia’s coastline and beaches were an important part of managing the risks of climate change.

“By working together to protect our beautiful coastline we can help ensure Australia’s beaches remain sustainable for future generations,’’ Senator Wong said.

“The risks to Australia’s coastlines are real and well known, and it is initiatives like Keep Australia Beautiful that will help ensure we are well placed to respond to the impacts of climate change.’’